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Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
The Hostage by Kathryn Berck is the first book of the Peryton series set in Mycenaean Greece in 1107 BC. A tortured soul, Akhaïdes, an outlaw, is on a quest to absolve himself by returning to the place where he savagely killed his three brothers and laid them to rest. Akhaïdes' brutal actions have had devastating repercussions for the Empire and now he must pay. His request to redeem himself is rejected by the Priests of Delphi. However, he encounters others, including the one brother he spared, who have their own agenda and he finds himself in the middle of two warring tribes that force him into a war that could destroy Greece forever. Akhaïdes' self-loathing makes him determined to undo the damage he has caused to a world that despises him, no matter what it takes.
This engaging historical saga, set in ancient Greece, will transport you back in time and take you on an unforgettable journey. An intriguing plot filled with a rich tapestry of colourful characters that are unique and detailed. The tension and suspense throughout was excellent, and the descriptive writing was faultless. A superbly written story, filled with turmoil, strife and exciting battles, that brought ancient Greece to life for me. The protagonist, Akhaïdes, was a dark and complex character that went on a remarkable journey of self discovery that anyone can relate to. His need for absolution was excellently portrayed and the ending was perfect. I hope the second book in this saga lives up to the first.
